We went to the library today and did a study on the state of California using some printables I found online. While the olders looked up the state flower, bird, motto, etc., I took great pleasure in the opportunity to read to Laura in another part of the children's area. Eventually she wanted to be doing what "the kids" (her term for them) were doing so thankfully I'd copied some things for her. Below is a picture of her with the California state flag she colored. And she even wrote her own name at the top.

Then later as we were discussing various things, I asked "the kids" what direction they were facing when we were at the ocean yesterday. Of course they said, "West." But then I asked, ".....and if you set sail in that direction where would you end up?"  Excitedly Douglas replied..."I know! I know!...um....well, if you sailed straight ahead you would probably hit Japan...or is it China? And if you sailed a bit northwest, you might land in North Korea."  Honestly I was amazed to tears. Just when you begin to fall in that "I need to be doing more" trap, something like this happens. I don't know when I learned where China/Japan was in relation to America but (unfortunately) I can assure you, it wasn't in the fourth grade!

Blessings to you from some Texans learning about California

~Angela